2025

Feature Story

Finding Meaning through Poetry: Alumna Ella Foutz’s Debut Book Prepares for Release

Oct. 24, 2025 — When Ella Foutz (‘24) was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in high school, she turned to writing as a way to make sense of her experience. One night, in a rush of creativity, she began putting her thoughts into words–a moment that would later inspire her debut poetry collection, “Lullabies for the Insomniacs,” set to be released November 4, 2025 by Lerner Publishing Group.

Feature Story

Learning That Lasts: SVU Alumna Stephanie Tuttle Wins National Award for Innovative Teaching

Oct. 22, 2025 — Southern Virginia University alumna and Fairfield Elementary School teacher Stephanie Tuttle (‘15) was recently named one of only two educators nationwide to receive the 2025 John Larmer Lifelong Learning Award, a prestigious and national honor recognizing excellence in Project Based Learning (PBL).

Feature Story

A Life Led by Promptings: Alumnus Captain Larsen’s Homecoming Message to Southern Virginia University

Oct. 22, 2025 — At Southern Virginia University’s annual Homecoming forum on Oct. 17, Captain Hayes C. Larsen—U.S. Navy judge and SVU alumnus—testified how following promptings from the Lord has guided and protected his life, and how even missed promptings can become moments of learning.

News Release

Honoring the Broadway Legend Stephen Sondheim in a “Sondheim Tribute Revue”

Oct. 10, 2025 — Dancing and singing through many of Stephen Sondheim’s most well-known and famous songs, the university’s theatre program performed a “Sondheim Tribute Revue” in recognition of the composer's lasting impact on modern Broadway on Sept. 26–27 and Oct. 1–3 in the Performing Arts Center.

Spotlight

Studying Counterpoint in Paris: Alumna Julia Evans Attends European American Musical Alliance

Sept. 29, 2025 — Recently returned from Paris, France, Julia Evans (‘24) spent this past July immersed in music tradition and history at the European American Musical Alliance (EAMA), building her career as a composer for choral and instrumental works.  

Official Statement

Press Release: Official Statement from President Bonnie H. Cordon

Sept. 29, 2025 — Today President Bonnie H. Cordon issued the following statement on behalf of Southern Virginia University:

Speeches

Finding the Greatest Title of All: Golfer Cecilie Lundgreen’s Journey of Faith and Identity

Sept. 24, 2025 — On Sept. 19, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered together in the Knight Arena to hear from professional Norwegian golfer and SVU women’s golf coach Cecilie Lundgreen. Focusing on the many “titles” one is given in life, Lundgreen shared her story of rejecting and embracing titles and discovering the most important one of all: Child of God.

Speeches

Be Meaningfully Weird: 2025-26 Convocation Inspires Courage and Curiosity

Sept. 16, 2025 — On Sept. 12, the Southern Virginia University community gathered in the Knight Arena for the annual Academic Convocation–a tradition marking the start of a new school year and a shared commitment to learning and personal growth. 

News Release

Southern Virginia University and Southern Utah University Partner in Offering Pathways to SUU Graduate Programs

Sept. 16, 2025 — In an effort to provide meaningful educational pathways into graduate programs at Southern Utah University (SUU), the university has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southern Virginia University (SVU) to admit recent graduates with bachelors degrees into masters programs with the Utah-based university.

News Release

Andy Harris Joins SVU Faculty as Assistant Professor of Family and Human Development

Sept. 12, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to welcome Andy Harris as an assistant professor of family and human development, where he will teach courses covering marriage and family, family process, and men in families.

News Release

SVU Alumni Association Appoints J.D. Drasbek (’16) as New President

Sept. 8, 2025 — Southern Virginia University is pleased to announce the appointment of J.D. Drasbek ('16) as the new president of the university's alumni association. Drasbek succeeds inaugural alumni president Scott McKeon ('01), who recently completed his three-year term.

Speeches

Embracing Detours and Life’s Opportunities with Chad and Crystal Hirschi

Sept. 8, 2025 — On Sept. 5, the Southern Virginia University campus community gathered in the Knight Arena to hear from Chad and Crystal Hirschi, the owners and founders of Hirschi Companies, where they shared their story of creating the company, embracing detours in life, and jumping at opportunities.